Page 42 of Out of the Storm

“Okay, so, uh, nine?” he managed instead.

“Yup. I’ll meet you at your place. I’ll probably be there early, though. I’m a stickler for punctuality.”

“Yeah, that seems right,” Jeff remarked playfully, pushing himself to stand. “Alright, well, I need to clock out and get going. I’ve got errands to run and stuff.”

“Gee, sounds fun.”

“Tons.”

“See you tonight, Jeff,” Gary said, and he flashed Jeff another one of those wide-as-fuck smiles, like he just couldn’t wait to see Jeff again.

Jeff forced a smile in return and turned to leave, taking the mop and bucket with him, and even though he was excited to spend more time with Gary, his intestines were twisting themselves into a knot. Because, boy fucking howdy, he sure wished he could figure out how to make himself not be so broken.

***

Gary came over a little before nine, having chosen to walk rather than bike over. While they were waiting for Brandon, the two of them sat together on the couch. But it was worse than awkward. Gary kept scooting closer and then farther and then closer. It was making Jeff feel like shit. Years ago, he’d have pulled Gary onto his lap, and then they’d have kissed and fucked and skipped the Goddamn party altogether. It was a special kind of torture watching Gary look like he was about to lose his mind over whether or not he was sitting too close.

“Radio man,” Jeff said when Gary shifted farther away from him for the third time. “It’s okay to sit next to me. Don’t treat me like I need to be wrapped in bubble wrap.”

Gary grimaced. “Yeah, okay, but—”

“Do you think I’ll implode if we brush knees or something?”

“Well . . .”

“I can sit next to a person.”

“Okay.” Gary moved closer and settled against the back cushion.

And then he looked over at Jeff like he was waiting for approval.

“Yeah, you’re fine,” Jeff said, his tone curt.

“Geez Louise,” Gary said, running a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I have to be honest, I’m worried I’ll mess this up somehow.”

“Uh, in case you forgot,you’rethe one sacrificing forme. Trust me, most people are looking for more than the occasional phone call beat-off session.”

“Well, I am too. I mean, I’d likenightlybeat-off sessions, preferably.”

Gary’s teasing smile released a swarm of butterflies in Jeff’s stomach.

“Guess we’ll have to call each other once we’re home from this party then,” Jeff said with a sly smile in return.

Gary’s cheeks flushed, and that light-pink hue was so Goddamn cute Jeff thought it might make him lose his mind.

“Guess so.”

Brandon’s car horn blared from outside.

“Ready to meet my best friend?” Gary asked, clapping his hands on his thighs.

“Seems like I have to be,” Jeff replied with a half-smile.

“Are you sure you want to come? It’s probably not your thing.”

“I’m sure.” Jeff kicked Gary’s foot. “Lead the way.” Before Gary could respond, Jeff kicked Gary’s foot once more. “Oh no. We touched.”

Gary pretended to scoff. “Don’t make fun of me, Jeffrey.”

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